A deteriorating church building is set to benefit from £134,000 towards its restoration.

It means the scheme to save St Nicholas' Church, in Harwich, should be finished by the autumn.

An appeal was launched to save the weather-beaten spire 18 months ago.

Rain and wind have taken their toll on the 180-year-old building, causing stonework to crumble.

English Heritage has pledged £129,000 towards the project and another £5,000 will come from Essex Environment Trust.

The money will go towards the final phase of the scheme, which is estimated to cost £200,000.

Work will be carried out on the nave, chancel, buttresses, parapets and pinnacles.

Published Thursday April 8, 2004

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